UPDATE: The site is in the middle of a much-needed overhaul. Believe it or not, portrait-artist.org has been up for over a decade (since 2002!). Check out the What's New page to see what's been added lately. And say hello on Facebook! (Took me long enough to create a page!)

Welcome to portrait-artist.org! This is a portrait art tutorial site, with lessons on sketching and drawing faces, tutorials on digital art, an overview of art and drawing techniques, art supplies, book recommendations, anatomy, and much more.

Portrait-artist.org has been created for the artist or student who has already developed an interest in portraits, but is seeking extra assistance, additional tips, and resources about portraits. While a modest amount of experience in drawing is recommended, even the newest of newbies should get something out of the lessons and tutorials. They are made as "newbie-friendly" (and as "school friendly") as possible.

The tutorials here try to cover particular details about the face and head, and also its overall structure. It is the goal of this site to help artists understand the face and features a little better. Additional knowledge and understanding is always a liberating thing! With knowledge, an artist will be able to draw more realistic and lifelike portraits. They will draw with more confidence and speed, and less "trial and error."

The tutorials encourage freehand drawing, since this is an important artistic skill for portrait artists. (The excellent book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The Definitive, 4th Edition
shows how anyone can learn how to draw what they see!) Learning how to draw more accurately does not have to be such a difficult or daunting prospect. It can be exciting, and fun!

This site will primarily appeal to artists who use "traditional" art techniques (pencils, oils, watercolors, etc.). However, artists who work digitally (2-D or 3-D, using software like Photoshop or 3D Studio Max) will also find helpful information on this site regarding the structure and anatomy of the head. There is even a Photoshop section on this site (sorry, no 3D Studio Max section!) Also, artists who are interested in the anime or manga style of drawing will also benefit from some of these tutorials.

This site will probably never be done (because most sites never are done, nor should they be ever "done"). I am most gratified by the positive response it has gotten, and intend to keep updating and adding more to it in the future.

No permission is given to use the information, (graphics, text) on this site in any other way other than for individual use. You may not use, publish or copy the information to a any type of storage system or device without permission from me, JR Dunster. You may only print out one copy of each page (for personal use only).

All "fan art" or "celebrity art" is shown for educational purposes (this is an educational site). No copyright is claimed or assumed on the original subject of the "fan art," as that belongs to the individual movie studio or copyright holders.